New Sólás centre opens on Ormeau Road

25 Sep 2017

On Sunday, 24 September, Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Nuala McAllister officially opened the doors of a new centre on the Ormeau Road which will bring hope to hundreds of children, young people and their families living with additional needs and/or autism.

Sólás Specialist Support Centre, funded with the support of Belfast City Council Local Investment Fund (LIF), the Public Health Agency, Department for Communities, Ulster Garden Villages, Development Trust for NI and others, will house a full spectrum of social, educational and family support programmes along with specialist respite initiatives.

Lord Mayor Councillor Nuala McAllister said: “I’d like to congratulate Sólás for their dedication to ensuring that ‘every child is a happy child.’ And I’m delighted that investment from Belfast City Council and our partners has helped to create a real haven, where children with additional needs will be supported to reach their full potential in learning, and in life.

“Through our Belfast Agenda, we’ve made a commitment to support and care for people who face multiple challenges and to support younger and older people. With this wonderful new building, Sólás will be able to enhance the tailored support they offer through their after-schools, Saturday morning clubs, summer schemes and personal development courses, as well as respite for family members. I wish them every success.”

Founding Director of Sólás, Dr Joan Henderson said: “After operating for over eight years, we are delighted to finally have a building to call our own! It’s been a long road, with plenty of challenges, hard work, early mornings and late nights. We are lucky to benefit from the support of a number of really dedicated and reliable staff and volunteers, some of whom have been with us since the beginning.

"The charity simply would not be as successful as it is today without their invaluable help. Therefore, I would like to dedicate our new centre to the staff and volunteers, and the incredible children and families we work with. We have many exciting new plans for the building, and it’s safe to say our star will only shine brighter over the coming few years!”